The Religious Studies programme at CUHK offers its undergraduate students the opportunities to explore and analyze the world’s major religions critically with an interdisciplinary approach. Students are exposed to various methodologies, such as sociology, philosophy and psychology, and are encouraged to apply these methodologies in their studies of religion.

The programme also introduces how religion has inspired the creative process of great paintings, sculptures, architecture, literature, theatre, film and music of the past and present. Students can also study the role of religion in formation of various social, political and economic systems, as religious beliefs continue to play a significant part in shaping the ideologies of political leaders and social movements around the world.

No, whether you have a religious belief or not has little effect, as it advocates an objective and academic approach to the study of religious phenomena.

Religious Studies is an objective academic study. Therefore, our programme will not adhere to a particular faith tradition. 

If you have a strong interest in human culture and behaviour, as well as religious and social phenomena with good verbal and written communication skills, you can apply for Religious Studies.

In Religious Studies, we study most of the world's religious traditions, such as Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Chinese folk religions, Taoism, Islam, etc. Despite various religions, we also adopt interdisciplinary approach to study religious phenomena, such as sociology, psychology, literature, anthropology, philosophy, science, and so on. For details, please refer to the "course list".

 In academic study, we have to limit our prejudice. We need to study a religious phenomenon objectively before we say it is “toxic”. We would call it a New Religious Movement, which is also a phenomena of concern in Religious Studies.

No. Religious Studies emphasizes experiential learning. Every year, we arrange field trips to different places. In the past we have visited places like South Korea, Taiwan, India and Dubai.

No. Various classical language courses are provided for students who are interested in learning religious classics and culture. Students can decide whether to enrol according to their own interests.

Religions Studies is not a career-oriented programme. This programme aims to develop students’ ways of thinking, especially when facing this pluralistic and globalized society.

Many of our graduates pursue meaningful and successful careers in the government, media and publishing, journalism, advertising, business, education, travel and tourism, as well as NGOs. Some of them would further their studies in local and overseas graduate schools or undertake formal religious trainings.

Department of Cultural and Religious Studies provides postgraduate courses below:

• M.A. Religious Studies 
• Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies 
• M.Phil.-Ph.D. in Religious Studies 

This Program provides various local internship opportunities, such as NGOs, media organizations, religious institutions, Education organizations, etc.